A Hungry World

             This Sunday (October 9^th) is “World Hunger Sunday” on our denominational calendar.  Most Christian groups observe World Hunger Day at some point, usually in the fall.  Churches are encouraged to collect special offerings and send them for hunger relief.        It has been said often that the Christians of the world have the resources to end world hunger if they chose to do so.  At one point, some years ago, I believed that was true.  It may still be.  People identified as Christians control much of the wealth of the world.

            Now I don’t think the problem of hunger will ever be eradicated.  Crippling droughts have seized many lands, from the horn of Africa to areas of the United States and lands in between.  Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons and tornadoes have interfered with food production.  Warring factions have even denied relief provided by the U.S. and other governments from reaching the populations for which it is intended.

            And in the U.S., one of the most blessed nations on earth, hunger still exists.  Religious and government entities have addressed the needs of the hungry, but have been unable to overcome it.

            Although I feel we cannot eradicate hunger, I believe it is God’s purpose for us to do what we can.  The Jimmy Hale mission reminds us on television of how little money it takes to provide a meal for one person (less than two dollars).  And we have multiple opportunities through the church and other charitable organizations to help.  And we can encourage the government to continue to provide relief around the world.

            One of the things Jesus will note at the final judgment is; “I was hungry and you gave me food.”  (Matthew 25:35)

Grace and peace.

Church as Punishment?

             I heard it on the news today (September 23).  A judge in Baldwin County has given an option to non violent prisoners; go to church or go to jail!  Area ministers working with the judge came up with the plan, convinced that regular church attendance will benefit these prisoners more than time in jail and it will also save the county money by keeping people out of jail.

            But it smacks of church going as punishment.  Many children, who have endured long services with fidgeting and boredom, would agree with this concept.  Many churches have rescued their children from this punishment by having “children’s worship” geared to children and their interests. 

            The American Civil Liberties Union has already announced a challenge to the plan.  They consider it to be an entanglement of religion and state.  In that it is a decision of the individual prisoner who must choose the option, no one will be forced to go to church.  It is a way to avoid going to prison.  Therefore, I don’t agree with the ALCU.

            And I agree with the ministers who helped to come up with the plan.  I dare say that many of these prisoners have had little or no exposure to the gospel or worship.  One of the most significant ways of turning a life around is by a commitment to Jesus Christ and a new life in Him.  I trust their church going will be a positive experience and, for some, a door to a new life.

            Maybe this idea will spread to other areas.  I hope so.  I would be happy to be one of the mentors in our area.

Grace and peace.

Labor Day

            The first Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882, in Boston, by the Central Labor Union of New York.  It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of  the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike.   President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with the labor movement as a top political priority.  Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike

            Dozens of people have been killed and many more injured in strikes throughout the years since.  Most strikes are less violent.  The struggle between business and labor continues, however, as evidenced by the Verizon strike which ended a couple of weeks ago. Without doubt the union movement has elevated the status of workers and gained great benefits for them.  A forty hour week and a living wage is their legacy.  But opinion is divided over them.  Cheaper labor overseas is a challenge to US businesses.

            Paul said, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”  (2 Thessalonians  3:10)  This was to counter those who were taking advantage of the early church which had all things in common.  Today there are millions in our country who want to work but cannot find a job.  This labor Day we need to thank God for improved working conditions in our generation, and petition Him to guide our leadership to find the way to economic recovery and job creation.  And we need to pray for and help those who are unemployed.

            In spite of present circumstances, as I look around the world, I’m thankful to be an American and understand why so many want to come here for a better life.

Grace and peace.